Antigua Guatemala Wedding Photography

Antigua is one of our favorite places in the world to shoot weddings. From the food, to the landscapes, ruins, people, and culture, it is incredibly rich with photographic opportunity! The earthquake of 1773 (as well as a few others) destroyed many of the old churches leaving ruins that make amazing backdrops for photos. Antigua is the most popular destination in Guatemala but towns off Lake Atitlán and Flores (near the Tikal ruins) are close runner ups.

Caroline Studios specializes in destination weddings and has shot at many of the wedding venues in the Antigua Guatemala. Although it is hard to go wrong in Antigua Guatemala when it comes to picking a venue, I have comprised a more detailed list of some of my favorite and, what I think are, the best wedding venues based on the light, variety of photos, and uniqueness.

Las Capuchinas – With an outdoor garden, courtyard, and indoor space there are many options for locations at Las Capuchinas ruins.

La Recolección – Ruins dating back to the 1600’s La Recoleccion was destroyed by an earthquake and remains as is. In front of the ruins there is a large grass area perfect for an outdoor ceremony & reception.

Hotel Santa Clara – Similar to many of the ruins in Antigua with arches, a garden, & courtyard but with the added bonus of having a hotel attached to the venue.

Casa Santo Domingo – This hotel utilized what was left of ruins to make it into a hotel/church/event area with a beautiful garden equipped parrots.

San Jose el Viejo – More ruins! This venue is one of the smaller ones listed here and best equipped for a reception only.

Colegio de San Jerónimo – Personally, some of my favorite looking ruins because of the added bonus of the volcano view.

La Merced – The most well known catholic church in Antigua, easily spotted as a bright yellow on the north side of town.

Lake Atitlán – While this is not a single wedding venue, it is worth mentioning as one of the coolest and most scenic places in Central America. Located just 3 hours through the mountains from Antigua, it’s not uncommon to see one of the volcanoes errupting from across the lake.

Things to do in Antigua, Guatemala :

Casa Santa Domingo – Museum of ruins, the ruins with the highest reviews and the most greenery.

La Merced – A church that has been destroyed twice by earthquakes It’s worth taking a peak in but then hanging out in the square near by is the great for people watching and grabbing a local snack.

The Plaza – Where you can see a little of everything, a big church, a view of the volcano, street vendors, and even horse and buggies.

Pacaya Volcano – Hire a tour guide to take you up the side of this amazing volcano. It’s a very high altitude so while some parts are warm enough to roast marshmallows, bring a jacket to keep you warm at the top!

Arco de Santa Catalina – Simply put, a historic arch near the middle of town, it’s a beautiful site!

Cerro de la Cruz – A nice little hike up to the cross that towers over the town. Great place to get a scenic view of Antigua.